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Italy Courses

Moving Image Arts, English - Geoffrey Marschall

MIA 325/ ENGL 275/ HUMN 200 - Realism to the Personal in Italian Cinema

After World War II, Italian filmmakers decided to break from the previous extravagant film style under Mussolini and make films about people in their daily the lives. The Italian Neorealist movement was born and that movement changed cinema around the world. This film movement emphasized the importance of film on location and casting people from real life. We will study Italian Neorealism and the other reactions of Italian filmmakers at the time who instead of reflecting on the people around them looked at themselves and created personal films. Students will study cultural influences and the way those are represented in films. Students will study the language of cinema and how these filmmakers broke rules to create their own style and inspired other filmmakers. The students will have to write a paper about an Italian filmmaker or films.

MIA 325/ ENGL 375/ HUMN 300 - Stories and the City

This class will explore narrative and documentary stories inspired by the locations we visit and the people and culture the students encounter. Students will learn how to craft a story derived from elements in the areas we explore. Students will study story structure and the various visual storytelling styles through screenings and practice. Using their cellphones and editing apps they will make short pieces throughout our trip which draw inspiration from the locations and create a story connected to the locations.

Management - Tammy Hall

MGMT 380 - Women Entrepreneurs in Italy -Leadership

This course will help emerging leaders develop new perspectives and strategies and bring healthy creativity and energy to their organizations. Drawing upon the creative processes of artists, painters, architects, musicians, and writers, students will apply the same dynamics of creative thinking to the practical work of leaders to focus on renewal, rediscovery, invention, and creativity.

MGMT 460 The Italian Renaissance and Women

Students will have an opportunity to see the significant role that women played in the Italian renaissance in the 15th century. Students will study important figures like Lucrezia Borgia and the general image of the role of women in the Italian Renaissance from the 14th to the 17th century. The course will focus on women from all social classes, as intellectual equality was not the case for lower-class women whose roles didn’t change that much compared to the medieval period.

Visual Arts - Jamie Baldridge

VIAR 309 - Pixels and Pasta: A Summer of Photography in Florence

Imagine strolling along cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old architecture, the Tuscan sun casting a warm glow on medieval bridges that span the Arno River. Florence, with its rich history and unparalleled beauty, is a photographer's dream come true. Every corner of this enchanting city is a work of art waiting to be captured through your lens.
Are you ready for a summer like no other, where your lens becomes your passport to artistic exploration? Join me for a thrilling adventure in the heart of Italy's cultural epicenter – Florence! This course will be an unforgettable journey into a world of romance, history, and visual storytelling, all with a touch of Italian flair!

VIAR 321 - Bonfire of the Vanities: Art, Power, and Conflict in Renaissance Italy

Who says Art History is boring? Embark on a semester of discovery, where shadows of history and dark stories come to life. This captivating art history course will take you beyond the masterpieces of art and architecture, into a tumultuous world of betrayal, intrigue, power struggles, and the haunting echoes of a bygone era.
Bonfire of the Vanities" is not just a course— it's an exploration of an era steeped in subterfuge and intrigue, with lasting implications for our world today. Join me for an unforgettable experience, filled with eerie revelations, thought-provoking lessons, immersive learning, and cultural discovery in the haunting heart of the Renaissance.

Architecture and Design -  Sarah Young

DSGN 471 G – Italy: seeing, drawing, thinking

Embark on an immersive architectural journey through Florence's enchanting streets. Our course goes beyond traditional classrooms, using the entire city as a realm of discovery. Sketch iconic landmarks, capture light and shadow, and hone artistic prowess. Guided by experts, daily sketching assignments bring Florence's treasures to life.
Prepare to embark on an adventure that will not only refine your design skills but also enrich your understanding of architecture's past, present, and future. This isn't just a course about sketching; it's a journey of self-discovery, creative expression, and architectural enlightenment, all set against the backdrop of Florence's timeless charm.

DSGN 474 G  – Urban & Architectural Form of the Italian City

Discover exterior spaces, lively piazzas, and serene gardens, all framed by Florence's architectural wonders. Unveil the cultural and political influences shaping the city's urban tapestry over centuries to elevate your understanding and appreciation of architecture and design. Engage in compelling discussions as we wander through the very spaces and structures about which we are reading; Brunelleschi's Duomo, Museo Galileo, Galleria dell’Accademia, the Uffizi Gallery, and more. By blending theory with first-hand experience, our discussions come to life within the walls of the buildings, museums, and workshops that breathe the essence of Florence's architectural history. You'll share your own insights through oral presentations and discussions; your voice matters! Uncover site essence pre-trip and become a site storyteller on location. Craft a concise paper reflecting on the journey. Join this course with DSGN 471G – Field Drawing for an enriched design understanding. Immerse in Florence's architectural legacy and let your exploration begin.

Mandated for ALL Participants
Humanities 300: Italian Language & Culture

This course provides an introduction to conversational Italian language and will expose students to various aspects of the Italian culture.  The language component is held three (3) hours per week.  The additional components are held at various times (day and evenings) throughout the six-week period. This course will include:

Pre-Departure Orientation – Preparation for travel and life in Italy

Italian Language – Conversational Italian taught by local language school

Cooking Italian – Hands-on cooking experience preparing authentic Italian cuisine       

Wine Tasting – Seminar on Italian wine and proper tasting techniques

Culture – Guided tours and visits to cultural sites and activities

All course meetings (except the orientation) are led by certified and qualified Italian-based teachers or guides and are arranged by the American Institute of Foreign Studies (AIFS).  There is no need to list this course as an option because ALL participants will automatically be scheduled to take this course.